Marriage Proposal

Ellaine was relieved that there was no need to explain her contribution to Oliver.

"Was your face ruined by Oliver?" Dylan seemed to be frowning as he looked at Ellaine's face.

Since this is Dylan's first time meeting Ellaine, he doesn't know that she has been using bandages for 1 years to cover part of her face.

"This is the final proof that I'm not on Oliver's side. I hope you believe me."

Dylan widened his eyes when he saw the disfigured woman remove the bandage on her face.

He was amazed when he saw that there were no wounds on her face and there were only traces of red medicine that made an impression on her beautiful face.

"Was this all your own plan?"

Although surprised, Dylan asked calmly.

"It's my way of surviving. Otherwise, Rosaline would have turned my face into melted wax because Oliver made me secretary."

"Do you expect me to believe that?"

"..." Ellaine fell silent. Her ace card turned out to be unable to make Dylan believe she was not on Oliver's side.

"I know what you want."

"What do you mean?"

"The desire to have a seat is a wish for you."

As an illegitimate child with a poor mother, Dylan can't be Oliver's rival. However, he can still compete if he has nobility. That was a fact that cannot be forgotten.

"Okay, I'll believe you if you're not on Oliver's side. First, explain to me how did you get in here?!"

Dylan was starting to doubt that Ellaine had been sent by another noble. There was no way a secretary could enter his room without a sound and have that much knowledge. Moreover, it has been 1 years since she tricked her master. Only high-end spies could do that.

Hearing Dylan's question, Ellaine realized that her status as a secretary and her knowledge were not in sync.

She gulped and picked up her book, which had fallen on the floor, and showed him the map she had drawn.

"Can you confirm this is true?"

"I can show it to you right away."

Ellaine shows the secret passage to his room.

"There really is space behind the walls."

"Do you now believe that I'm neutral? And really want to make you the Duke to destroy Oliver."

Dylan immediately nodded.

"Say there is a way. What reward would you like to receive?"

The Necrosis family were merchants, so Dylan knew very well that Ellaine's offer was an information sale.

"Please lend me money."

"What? Didn't you decline the previous offer of compensation?"

Dylan is surprised when Ellaine asks for a loan in return.

"I didn't use the money for extravagance. I borrowed that much money to free myself from Oliver's hostage. Please pay off the debt for me."

"How much is the debt?"

"16,000 gold coins."

"Yeah, no problem. In that case, 16,000 gold coins feel cheap."

"Is it right?"

"But I have conditions that you must fulfill now."

Ellaine looks happy when Dylan is willing to lend me 16,000 gold coins.

"First. Give me the secret map."

"Yes, I will. But this is the only way I know. I don't know if there is another secret path or not."

Dylan nodded. And Ellaine strained her ears, wary of his second request.

"Marry me, now, tonight!"

"...."

Ellaine's happy expression immediately collapsed at his second request.

"You are a Marchioness, a hereditary noble. Marry me and take me into your family."

"Huh? So you already know I'm a Marchioness?!"

Ellaine was surprised because Dylan already knew her background. Even though she hasn't told anything about her nobility.

"Yes, Archbishop Myles told me."

"You know Archbishop Myles?"

"Archbishop Myles is a former military officer. After retiring, he was in the Abbey."

"W-wait a minute... Could it be, the man I cared for 7 years ago is..."

"If that's true, do you agree to marry me?"

"B-but..."

Ellaine blushed.

"Don't you want to marry an illegitimate child?"

"No, that's not what I meant. Doesn't it hurt you to get married just because I was the one who took care of you first?"

Even though he seems to want to refuse his proposal, she smiles slightly.

"I've chosen you well because you've been worrying about me."

"..."

"I'm serious about getting you married. But since you asked me to pay off your debt, this marriage will also prove your worthiness. You will act as my wife and receive proper compensation."

"What if I disappoint you?"

"You will be the collateral, and I will handle my collateral as I please."

Ellaine trembled. Although there was no intention to betray Dylan, the guarantee was her body.

"Are you going to kill me?"

"How could I do that to a girl who has been nice to me? It's just that if you trick me or you really are Oliver's spy, I guarantee you will face bad luck."

Ellaine immediately nodded with a calm expression. She calmed down a bit because she knew that Dylan knew her well.